Dr. Kevin Sadati Discusses Emerging Trends in Plastic and Aesthetic Medicine

The field of plastic and aesthetic medicine is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology, a deeper understanding of anatomy, and the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Kevin Sadati, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California, is at the forefront of this exciting transformation. With over two decades of experience in the field, Dr. Sadati shares insights into the latest trends in 2025 that are reshaping the future of aesthetic medicine.

For many years, facial rejuvenation was often seen as a luxury reserved for the rich, famous, and Hollywood elite. However, times have changed, and so has the accessibility of these services. Today, advancements in techniques and affordability have made facial rejuvenation an option for a much broader audience. The era of dramatic, overly “done” looks is behind us, as more people seek natural, subtle enhancements that reflect their own beauty rather than chasing an idealized image.

I’ve noticed that most of my patients are everyday individuals—professionals, business owners, and retirees—who simply want to feel confident and refreshed. Gone are the days of idolizing celebrities with poorly executed facelifts; the focus now is on achieving harmony and authenticity. Facial rejuvenation is no longer about transformation—it’s about refinement.

As a facial plastic surgeon, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the beauty industry firsthand. Today, we are firmly in the “undetectable era,” where the emphasis has shifted from dramatic transformations to subtle, natural enhancements. Patients are no longer seeking the overly “done” look—they want to appear refreshed and youthful without it being obvious they’ve had any procedures. This trend focuses on refined results, leaving people guessing rather than certain about any procedures.

A perfect example? Lindsay Lohan’s radiant Hollywood comeback. Her refreshed, youthful appearance has social media buzzing with speculation about her glow-up. Her transformation embodies this new wave of understated yet striking aesthetic treatments, captivating the public and reshaping beauty standards. 

In my opinion, there’s a clear trend emerging as more women gravitate toward a natural, understated aesthetic. My patients value results that appear seamless and harmonious, so refined that they’re nearly impossible to detect. Over the past few years, the desire for bespoke, subtle transformations has become a cornerstone of aesthetic medicine, reflecting the evolving priorities of those seeking cosmetic enhancements.

As patients move away from the overly “done” aesthetic, several key trends are poised to shape 2025. I am seeing a clear shift toward longer-lasting solutions, especially among younger patients who are experiencing ‘filler fatigue.’ This desire for more permanent results reflects a growing focus on natural, personalized outcomes. Additionally, the widespread use of GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy for weight loss has driven an increase in post-weight-loss body contouring surgeries. I hear from patients that they want to refine their appearance in a way that aligns with their healthier lifestyle.

In the past few years, regenerative aesthetic procedures have gained significant traction, and their popularity is expected to soar in 2025.  I believe Innovations in exosome and stem cell therapies are reshaping facial rejuvenation by harnessing the body’s own regenerative potential. Patients increasingly prefer natural solutions, like stem cells and PRP, over synthetic alternatives. While fat transfer remains a key approach, where the rejuvenating effects of adipose-derived stem cells are evident, less-invasive techniques to access these cells are now emerging. I published an article in 2004 highlighting the importance of mixing harvested fat with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to enhance fat grafting outcomes. Integrating PRP with fat has proven to improve cell survival and create longer-lasting, natural results. This innovative approach paved the way for today’s advancements in regenerative medicine, which continue to refine and expand patient treatment options.

Preservation Facelift: An Emerging Trend Among Millennials Seeking Early Facial Rejuvenation

In my practice, with millennials entering their 40s, demand for advanced solutions to address facial aging and skin laxity is on the rise. Unlike previous generations, many are turning away from fillers, which may cause “pillow face,” and seeking longer-lasting options. In my experience, younger patients will have longer-lasting facelift results because their musculature is stronger, and they heal more efficiently. However, I must emphasize that the suitability of an early facelift depends on key factors such as “sufficient tissue mobility and visible signs of aging.”

The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift has emerged as a preferred technique for this demographic, offering natural, long-lasting results while minimizing tissue disruption. The Preservation Facelift is especially appealing for younger patients because it rejuvenates the face while maintaining their natural features. By releasing the retaining ligaments of the face and neck and lifting deeper facial structures called SMAS in a vertical fashion, this technique addresses aging face without the overdone appearance often associated with traditional methods which rely on skin tightening. View our beautiful patient’s before and afters following the Preservation Deep Plane Facelift in her stunning transformation below.

The new weight loss trends, fueled by the widespread use of weight loss medications called GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, have led to a rise in a condition called “Ozempic face.” It is characterized by skin laxity and facial volume loss after weight loss. I have seen an increase in requests for facelifts and deep plane lifts to restore facial contour post-weight loss. I often combine Preservation facelift with fat grafting and CO2 laser resurfacing to achieve more comprehensive results, targeting deep tissue laxity, skin wrinkles, and volume loss in a natural, harmonious way.

Growing Popularity of Facial Contouring Among Younger Patients

Facial contouring is becoming increasingly popular among individuals in their 20s and 30s, particularly those with genetic predispositions to a full neck, small chin, or round facial structure caused by prominent buccal fat. In my practice, I have seen an increased interest in facial contouring after some of my patients posted their results on social media. Younger patients are realizing that facial contouring can significantly enhance their confidence by refining their natural bone structure. Many of these individuals aren’t looking to address aging but rather genetic traits like a less defined jawline or a fuller face.

For these patients, tailored procedures such as a deep plane neck lift can be transformative, improving the definition of the jawline and neck. For more comprehensive results, I often combine the neck lift with a chin implant to enhance projection and, on some occasions, buccal fat reduction to slim the midface. The goal is to create a natural, balanced contour that highlights the patient’s existing beauty while ensuring their results look timeless.

This trend highlights a shift in aesthetics, with younger generations embracing facial contouring as a proactive way to achieve facial harmony and proportion without overhauling their natural appearance.

Focus on Holistic Patient Care

Modern plastic and aesthetic medicine extends beyond physical transformation, focusing on the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. Every patient is unique, and their goals are deeply personal. I try to listen carefully, educate, and guide patients toward treatments that align with their vision.

In my opinion, a holistic post-operative care plan to ensure optimal healing is as important as surgical techniques that are gaining popularity. Treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ElixirMD LED light therapy, and lymphatic massage can be incorporated to accelerate recovery, minimize swelling, and improve overall outcomes. Additionally, a well-planned skincare regimen is essential to maintain skin health and radiance post-surgery. By combining advanced surgical techniques with these complementary treatments, patients receive a comprehensive approach to post-operative care, ensuring natural, long-lasting results while fostering confidence and overall wellness throughout the recovery process.

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

When considering a Preservation Facelift, it’s crucial to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this specific technique. Look for surgeons who specialize in facial rejuvenation and have a proven track record of natural-looking results.

If you’re considering a Preservation Facelift or have questions, contact Dr. Sadati today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.